Anchored in Faith: Hope, Trials, and Eternity
Summary
In today's message, we delved into the profound and timeless nature of faith, particularly as it is presented in the scriptures. We began by reflecting on the prophets of the Old Testament, who were given a message of hope and encouragement from God. They were told to hold on because a Messiah was coming, a deliverer who would save them from their trials and struggles. This message of hope is still relevant today, especially for those who feel at the end of their rope. We are reminded to put our faith in God, who will see us through our difficulties and lead us to something better on the other side.
We then explored the unique nature of Christianity. Unlike other religions that can be recreated based on human philosophy, Christianity is rooted in historical events and prophecies that cannot be replicated. Our faith is built on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which are historical facts that have stood the test of time. This faith is not based on human intellect or speculation but on the solid foundation of God's actions in history.
Peter's writings emphasize the importance of a tested faith. He uses the analogy of a goldsmith who purifies gold by melting it down and removing the impurities. Similarly, our faith is tested through trials, which bring our impurities to the surface and make our faith more genuine and valuable. This process of purification helps us to reflect Christ more clearly in our lives, just as pure gold reflects the image of the goldsmith.
We also discussed the concept of faith being imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading. Unlike the things of this world that perish, fade, and become corrupted, our faith in Christ is eternal and unchanging. This faith is kept in heaven, where it is protected from decay and destruction. Peter encourages us to anchor our faith in Christ, who is the only one with absolute power that is uncorrupted. This incorruptible faith is our anchor in the storms of life.
Furthermore, we considered the role of angels in observing our faith. Peter mentions that angels long to look into the things of our faith, indicating that they are watching how we live out our faith in the present day. This should inspire us to carry forward the message of the gospel and live out our faith with integrity and commitment.
In conclusion, we are called to hold on to our faith, especially in times of difficulty. Our faith in Christ is not only valuable and revealing but also timeless and tested. It is a faith that has been proven to withstand the storms of life and will carry us through to the end. As we live out our faith, we reflect Christ to the world, and this is what the angels long to see. Let us remain anchored in this true and tested faith, knowing that it is our hope and strength in all circumstances.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Prophets' Message of Hope: The Old Testament prophets were given a message of hope and encouragement from God, telling them to hold on because a Messiah was coming. This message is still relevant today for those who feel at the end of their rope. We are reminded to put our faith in God, who will see us through our difficulties and lead us to something better on the other side. [01:02:15]
2. The Unique Nature of Christianity: Unlike other religions that can be recreated based on human philosophy, Christianity is rooted in historical events and prophecies that cannot be replicated. Our faith is built on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which are historical facts that have stood the test of time. This faith is not based on human intellect or speculation but on the solid foundation of God's actions in history. [01:05:00]
3. The Value of Tested Faith: Peter uses the analogy of a goldsmith who purifies gold by melting it down and removing the impurities. Similarly, our faith is tested through trials, which bring our impurities to the surface and make our faith more genuine and valuable. This process of purification helps us to reflect Christ more clearly in our lives, just as pure gold reflects the image of the goldsmith. [54:10]
4. The Imperishable, Uncorrupted, and Unfading Faith: Unlike the things of this world that perish, fade, and become corrupted, our faith in Christ is eternal and unchanging. This faith is kept in heaven, where it is protected from decay and destruction. Peter encourages us to anchor our faith in Christ, who is the only one with absolute power that is uncorrupted. This incorruptible faith is our anchor in the storms of life. [47:51]
5. Angels Observing Our Faith: Peter mentions that angels long to look into the things of our faith, indicating that they are watching how we live out our faith in the present day. This should inspire us to carry forward the message of the gospel and live out our faith with integrity and commitment. Our faith is not only valuable and revealing but also timeless and tested, providing hope and strength in all circumstances. [01:06:19]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:00] - Max Lucado's Story of the Hurricane
[36:22] - The Importance of Faith
[37:57] - Peter's Context and Encouragement
[39:23] - Revisiting Last Week's Verses
[40:45] - The Universality of Faith
[41:55] - Anchoring Faith in Christ
[43:32] - The Imperishable Nature of Faith
[46:16] - Absolute Power and Corruption
[47:51] - The Unfading Faith
[54:10] - The Value of Tested Faith
[58:58] - Faith Without Sight
[01:00:59] - The True Faith in a Postmodern World
[01:02:15] - The Prophets' Message of Hope
[01:05:00] - The Unique Nature of Christianity
[01:06:19] - Angels Observing Our Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:3-7 (ESV)
> Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
2. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
> Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
3. Matthew 6:19-20 (ESV)
> Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 1:3-7, what are the characteristics of the inheritance that believers receive through faith in Jesus Christ?
2. How does Hebrews 11:1 define faith, and how does this definition relate to the sermon’s message about faith being timeless and tested?
3. In Matthew 6:19-20, what does Jesus instruct us to do with our treasures, and how does this relate to the concept of an imperishable faith mentioned in the sermon? [43:32]
4. What analogy does Peter use to describe the process of testing faith, and what is the purpose of this testing? [54:10]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that our faith is described as imperishable, undefiled, and unfading in 1 Peter 1:3-7? How does this contrast with the things of this world? [47:51]
2. How does the analogy of the goldsmith purifying gold help us understand the value and purpose of trials in our faith journey? [54:10]
3. What does it mean for our faith to be anchored in Christ, and why is this important during the storms of life? [36:22]
4. How does the observation that angels long to look into the things of our faith impact our understanding of the significance of living out our faith? [01:06:19]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How did this experience test and purify your faith? What impurities were brought to the surface, and how did you deal with them? [54:10]
2. In what ways can you ensure that your faith remains imperishable, undefiled, and unfading? Are there specific actions or habits you can adopt to anchor your faith more deeply in Christ? [47:51]
3. Think about the message of hope given by the Old Testament prophets. How can you be a source of hope and encouragement to someone who feels at the end of their rope? [01:02:15]
4. How does understanding that Christianity is rooted in historical events and prophecies strengthen your faith? How can you use this understanding to share your faith with others? [01:05:00]
5. Consider the role of angels observing our faith. How does this perspective motivate you to live out your faith with integrity and commitment? [01:06:19]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to anchor your faith more firmly in Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen your faith in that area? [36:22]
7. How can you cultivate a faith that reflects Christ more clearly in your daily life? Think of specific actions or attitudes you can adopt to make your faith more visible to others. [55:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Holding on to Hope
In the Old Testament, the prophets were given a message of hope and encouragement from God. They were told to hold on because a Messiah was coming, a deliverer who would save them from their trials and struggles. This message of hope is still relevant today, especially for those who feel at the end of their rope. We are reminded to put our faith in God, who will see us through our difficulties and lead us to something better on the other side. Just as the prophets held on to the promise of the coming Messiah, we too can hold on to the promises of God in our lives.
When we face challenges and feel overwhelmed, it is important to remember that God is with us and has a plan for our lives. He is our source of strength and hope, and He will never leave us nor forsake us. By putting our faith in Him, we can find the courage to persevere through difficult times and trust that He will lead us to a place of peace and restoration. [01:02:15]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: Think of a current struggle you are facing. How can you actively put your faith in God and hold on to His promises during this time?
Day 2: The Historical Foundation of Christianity
Unlike other religions that can be recreated based on human philosophy, Christianity is rooted in historical events and prophecies that cannot be replicated. Our faith is built on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which are historical facts that have stood the test of time. This faith is not based on human intellect or speculation but on the solid foundation of God's actions in history.
The uniqueness of Christianity lies in its foundation on real events that have been documented and witnessed by many. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are central to our faith, and they provide a solid foundation that cannot be shaken. By understanding and embracing the historical basis of our faith, we can have confidence in the truth of the gospel and the reliability of God's promises. [01:05:00]
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV): "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."
Reflection: How does knowing the historical foundation of Christianity strengthen your faith? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Day 3: The Purifying Process of Tested Faith
Peter uses the analogy of a goldsmith who purifies gold by melting it down and removing the impurities. Similarly, our faith is tested through trials, which bring our impurities to the surface and make our faith more genuine and valuable. This process of purification helps us to reflect Christ more clearly in our lives, just as pure gold reflects the image of the goldsmith.
When we face trials and challenges, it can be difficult to see the purpose behind them. However, these trials are opportunities for our faith to be tested and refined. Just as gold is purified through fire, our faith is strengthened and purified through the trials we endure. By embracing this process, we can grow in our faith and become more like Christ, reflecting His image to the world around us. [54:10]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How did it test and refine your faith? How can you embrace future trials as opportunities for growth and purification?
Day 4: The Eternal and Unchanging Nature of Faith
Unlike the things of this world that perish, fade, and become corrupted, our faith in Christ is eternal and unchanging. This faith is kept in heaven, where it is protected from decay and destruction. Peter encourages us to anchor our faith in Christ, who is the only one with absolute power that is uncorrupted. This incorruptible faith is our anchor in the storms of life.
In a world where everything is constantly changing and nothing seems to last, it is comforting to know that our faith in Christ is eternal and unchanging. This faith is a secure anchor that holds us steady in the midst of life's storms. By anchoring our faith in Christ, we can find stability and peace, knowing that He is unchanging and His promises are true. [47:51]
Hebrews 6:19 (ESV): "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you need to anchor your faith in Christ? How can you remind yourself of the eternal and unchanging nature of your faith in Him?
Day 5: Angels Observing Our Faith
Peter mentions that angels long to look into the things of our faith, indicating that they are watching how we live out our faith in the present day. This should inspire us to carry forward the message of the gospel and live out our faith with integrity and commitment. Our faith is not only valuable and revealing but also timeless and tested, providing hope and strength in all circumstances.
The idea that angels are observing our faith can be both humbling and motivating. It reminds us that our faith is not just a personal matter but something that has a greater significance in the spiritual realm. By living out our faith with integrity and commitment, we can be a testimony to the power and truth of the gospel. This awareness should inspire us to be diligent in our walk with Christ and to share the message of the gospel with others. [01:06:19]
1 Peter 1:12 (ESV): "It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look."
Reflection: How does knowing that angels are observing your faith impact the way you live? What steps can you take to live out your faith with greater integrity and commitment?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We go through life every single day having faith. You're gonna go to a restaurant today, you have faith that the cooks are cooking your chicken 100% done, right? And we have faith in everything we do. It takes faith. You get behind a car, behind the wheel of a car, you turn it on, you have faith as you drive that vehicle that either you'll be a good driver or the ones you're on the road with are a good driver. You have faith it's gonna get you down the road. I mean, I can continue on. Do you agree with me? We have faith. We walk in this world with faith. Everybody has it. The question is, what is your faith anchored to?" [41:55]
2. "All of us need an anchor, something to hold on to. And I want to ask you today, what's that anchor for you? When life's going to go crazy, when storms are going to hit, what are you going to hold on to? My premise is this: as we dive into First Peter and continue First Peter, that must be your faith in God because nothing else will last and nothing else will work. It must be your faith in God." [36:22]
3. "It's not the question if you have faith, because we all have faith. It's not the question, will the storms come? Because the storms will come. The question is, what's your faith anchored to? What's your faith holding on to? The time to anchor your hope and your faith in Christ is now. Now, before the storms show up." [01:08:58]
4. "Peter says that real faith is loving Christ and you've never seen a brain in your life before. You've never seen, but you still know he exists. He changes lives. We see creation, we see trees, we see mountains, we see... we go, he's all around us. Living different in this world means that we must anchor to a timeless faith and a tested faith and a true faith." [01:00:14]
5. "What are we doing with our chapter in this grand story? How will our faith in God's great actions meet? He said to Esther, who knows but that you have come into the kingdom for such a time as this, and our time is now. Our time is now. Are you holding on to faith? Our time to live our faith is now." [01:01:41]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Peter says that our faith is like gold. As it is tested, it will begin to bring the impurities to the surface. So many times, I don't want to go through a testing. I don't want to go through hardship. What do we pray? 'Lord, take this away from me.' But maybe the prayer should be, 'Lord, while I'm walking in this hardship, take the impurities away from me. Purify me. Make me like gold.' When the impurities are removed, our faith becomes more real. Our walk with Jesus gets closer." [54:10]
2. "Peter's making this analogy that has lasted the length of time because gold is valuable then, still valuable now. Gold can perish, but our faith will endure. And a faith in Jesus Christ carries us through this life even into the world to come. A faith in the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus, God's only son, is far more valuable than gold. You say, 'I have a pile of gold over here and I have faith in Jesus Christ over here.' Which one should we want? Peter would say, 'Desire the faith in Jesus Christ and forget the gold because this is so much more valuable.'" [55:41]
3. "Peter found that when you test the faith, there's value, it's revealing, and it's centered on love. Let's talk about those three aspects. A tested faith is a valuable faith. Peter here plays upon a great image of the goldsmith. A goldsmith would melt metal down, have a big old chunk of gold, melt it down to watch the impurities when it's liquefied. The impurities of gold rise to the top, and they had a tool or a screen where then they would scrape it across the top, getting the impurities off. And he would take the impurities and knock it into a trash bucket. And then he'd go back to it again, kind of do it again. They would keep doing that over and over." [52:57]
4. "Peter says his faith was valuable and revealing a full love. But what does that mean? Peter, what worked for Peter will work for you and me. What Peter writes to us here in First Peter was so needed and relevant to the Christian faith, Christians at that time, and so needed and relevant to Christians today. It's almost as if Peter anticipated our questions when he writes about the faith of others." [01:00:59]
5. "Peter points out that the true faith is not only tied to the prophets, but it's also tied to the fulfillment of the prophecies. In verse 11, there is faith in a suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. Think about this for a moment. When it comes to world religions, Christianity, and I don't like to say this, but in our world thinking, Christianity is the only religion, because Christianity is not a religion. It's about a relationship. But in the world standards, Christianity as a religion, which cannot reinvent itself." [01:03:32]
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